Luke Watkinson’s review:

Fritz Lang's 1927 masterpiece 'Metropolis' is not only a resonant and enduringly relatable story about alienation by class and by technology, but also visually breathtaking and beautifully rendered and visualized even by comparison to modern films 80 years later.

The film is set in the massive, sprawling futuristic mega-city Metropolis, whose society is divided into two classes: one of planners and management, who live high above the Earth in luxurious skyscrapers; and one of workers, who live and toil underground. And the eponymous Metropolis is as stunningly realized as the best fantasy setting in modern cinema.

Now, you may think of 'Metropolis' as something to be appreciated. To be respected. For its place in cinematic history, but technologically and creatively. For its vision. Its message. Its spectacle. I would also suggest that alongside this weighty list of assets, it's also still just a straight-up entertaining film.

Luke is using Letterboxd to share film reviews and lists with friends. Get your own account.